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The demand for investigations into existing and new Statements of
Principles (SOPs) from veterans and veterans’ organisations has increased
significantly over the past twelve months. This year 41 new notices of
investigations were advertised compared to 22 in 2002-2003. The resultant
workload is increasing pressure on the Authority and the research staff in
the Secretariat and will continue to do so into the future if this trend
continues.
There were 19 investigations completed by the Authority in 2003/2004 that
resulted in 17 conditions having Statements of Principles being determined. There are ongoing investigations into
55 separate conditions, which is an
increase from last year. Investigations outstanding have remained at a
consistent level during the past three years, but have increased this year
due to the significant increase in requests and notifications.
Investigations are complex and require a total review of the published
scientific literature. Statements of Principles now provide cover for 279
particular kinds of injury and disease and 94% (approx) of Disability
Compensation claims handled by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
After consideration of the findings of the Gulf War Veterans Health study
released in 2003, the RMA closed its long-standing investigation into Gulf War
syndrome. The Authority gazetted a Declaration in August 2003 stating that
it did not propose to make a Statement of Principles concerning Gulf War
syndrome for the purposes of subsection 196B(2) or (3) of the Veterans’
Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA), for the reason that the Authority formed the
view that Gulf War syndrome is not a “disease” as defined in section 5D of
the VEA.
The RMA Members together with Professors Gillian Turner and Bill Webster
formed an Expert Committee in December 2002, which was appointed to examine the health concerns and associated
issues raised by the Australian
Special Air Services Association regarding former members of the
SAS Regiment. The Committee presented its completed report to the
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs in December 2003.
The RMA held a Forum in March 2004 together with representatives from
Ex-Service Organisations and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and
the Department of Defence. This is the second such Forum held by the
RMA the last occurring in November 1998. This year the Authority
celebrates ten years of operation and the Forum provided a timely
opportunity to look back at past achievements as well as looking forward to
the challenges of the future.
One of the future challenges for the Authority commencing from 1 July 2004,
is the introduction of the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act
2004 (MRCA), as the Statements of Principles are also included in this
legislation. The RMA plans to form closer associations with
representatives from Defence and Defence personnel to consult on matters of
mutual interest.
The RMA continued to be represented on the Consultative Forum for the study
of health outcomes of personnel involved in the F111 Fuel Tank
Deseal/Reseal program as well as having observer status on the joint
Defence /DVA Medical Advisory Panel which deals with health issues arising
from deployments.
The RMA continues to have telephone, written and face to face interaction
with veterans and their representatives to inform these groups about the
functioning of the SOP system.
The end of this year sees a change to the personnel in the Authority. At
the end of June 2004, Professor Kearsley leaves after over ten years of
service to the RMA. Prof. Kearsley’s contribution to the Authority was
particularly valued by not only the Chairman, RMA members and Secretariat
staff, but also the ESOs who met him during his time with the
Authority. Associate Professor Robyn Ward has been appointed by the
Minister to take up the vacant position as of 1 July 2004.
Changes within the Secretariat staffing also occurred this year. Ms Carole
Friedrichs was promoted to the vacant Registrar position, with Mr Paul
Murdoch promoted to the Deputy Registrar position. An additional
full time Medical Researcher, Mr Andrew Leiboff was appointed to the
Secretariat in February 2004.
In late January 2004, the RMA and Secretariat relocated to new premises at
Level 8, 259 Queen Street, Brisbane. The move took place over the weekend, with minimal disruption to Authority
business.
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This page last updated 20 September 2004.
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